Betty Gay

Betty Gay, 90, of Rose Hill, passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Mahaska Health Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. Betty Elaine Gay, daughter of Everett "Pat" Ray and Dorothy Lamoine (Poe) Dunwoody, was born October 5, 1934, at her parents' rural home north of Eddyville, Iowa. She graduated 8th grade from Charter Oak Country School and then worked in Oskaloosa at the New Method Café and, later, at Ideal Manufacturing for four years. November 14, 1954, Betty was united in marriage to Vernon Wayne Gay at the Central United Methodist Church in Oskaloosa. They made their home on a farm NE of Oskaloosa near Rose Hill. Betty assisted Vernon in their business, Gay Plumbing and Electric, which they operated for over 55 years. She was a busy farm wife and mother of four children: gardening, canning, cooking, and baking. Betty was a First Assembly of God Church member in Oskaloosa and faithfully attended the OK Bunch gatherings. She was also a member of the Dutch Masters Car Club, Nelson Pioneer Farm, the Gingham Girls Club, and the Iowa Water Well Association. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, Vernon, once to Europe, on many state bus trips, and to several Water Well Association conventions. Betty was an excellent cook and pie baker and taught each of her children and grandchildren to make noodles. She will be remembered fondly for her quiet smile and generous heart. Her family includes her children and their spouses: Howard and Mary Gay of Rose Hill, Larry and Christy Gay of Oskaloosa, Shirley and Steve Goemaat of New Sharon and Beverly Davis of Cedar; 13 grandchildren: Travis (Jenny) Gay, Aimee (Jon) Higgins, Joshua (Katie) Gay, Nathaniel (Becca) Gay, Holly (Dean) Verhoef, Heather Malone (special friend, Larry), Matthew Molesworth, Rebecca Brittian (Jeremie Francis), Christina (Jarrod) Hatfield, Eric Molesworth (special friend, Niki), Katie (Justin) Forbes, Brett (Hope) Smithart and Ryan (Michelle) Smithart; and 29 great-grandchildren. Betty is survived by a brother, Bob (Kathy) Dunwoody of Polk City, and three sisters: Jane Dykstra of Eddyville, Peggy Van Skike of Oskaloosa, and Loretta Davis. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by Vernon, her husband 68 years; three sisters: Juanita Dunwoody, Evelyn Lobbrecht, and Phyllis Arnold; a brother, George Dunwoody; and five brothers-in-law: Bevan Dykstra, Ivan Arnold, Ralph Lobbrecht, Jack Van Skike, and Bob Rouze. The Funeral Service for Betty will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the First Assembly of God Church, with Reverend Mike Dotson officiating. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., Monday, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel; the family will greet visitors from 4-6 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the Mahaska Health Foundation and directed to the Hospice Serenity House.

Betty Gay

October 5, 1934 - April 19, 2025